Book excerpt: Planet Earth is a water planet. Liquid water covers 74 percent of its surface. Water bathes us, it quenches our thirst, it sustains life. Without it, all living things would cease to exist. In Renewing Earth's Waters, examine the state of Earth's waters, its effects on the living environment, Our dependence on it, the policies created to protect it, and the ways in which we all can contribute to protect this most valuable natural resource. Book jacket.